Repurposing, Re-using + Re-selling This Christmas

Yet another pair of ‘novelty’ socks? Whether you’re selling, recycling, up-cycling, donating or other – there are a multitude of things to do with your unwanted Christmas gifts that avoid un-lovingly leaving them to sit in a landfill. For many, the decision to buy more ethically isn’t always the most affordable option, however it’s also about buying less, and repurposing, reusing and re-selling what we already own.

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Re-Selling

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Selling your undesired goods is a win-win, as the saying goes – one mans garbage is another mans treasure. Platforms like ebay have seen over 3000 listings with things like fragrance and toiletries coming up top. Alternatively you could use sites like Amazon or Gum Tree, and apps such as Depop to auction it to the highest bidder. Facebook also have a handy market place for goods in the local area.

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Depending on how many items and how much energy you have, you could even take them to a local market and sell them on the wider community. For decades (yes, decades!) people have been using eBay to buy and sell collectibles, jewellery, in-demand toys and even half-eaten pieces of food!

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Websites and apps are popping up every day making it easier than ever to sell gently used items around your house, from designer handbags and shoes to old bicycles, furniture, cellphones and tablets. Many of the sites will even send you shipping labels and packaging materials, making the process quick and painless.

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Re-Gifting

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Save yourself the black Friday and boxing-day sales nightmare by keeping a present box in the utility room. Collect everyone’s undesirables and regift them for birthdays, thanks yous, or valentines – it’s the thought that counts! Thrift stores and consignment shops can be found in just about every city and are the gold-standard when it comes to selling gently used items and perhaps buying something new at a deep discount.

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The Gift Of Giving

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For all of the items that need to go but aren’t quite up to snuff for a formal sale, the easiest and fastest way to move forward (without tossing them in the trash) is to take everything to your neighbourhood donation centre. Whether it’s Goodwill, The Salvation Army or a local homeless shelter, there’s always a demand for items – including clothes, socks and blankets (always in high demand), shoes and accessories – in less than perfect condition.

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Return To Sender

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Well not quite to sender, but to the store. Perhaps your parcel came with a handy gift receipt - with proof of purchase, you may be entitled to exchange or refund them item from whence it came, so long as it’s unopened and in good condition. When buying presents for others, it could avoid some awkward conversations to make sure one of these is included.

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Re-Use And re-Purpose

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Perhaps your gift doesn’t fulfil your needs with its intended purpose, but you may be able to get crafty and transform it into something that does. Perhaps you have enough mugs, but not enough places to put your makeup brushes? Or that strange novelty item from uncle bill could become an interesting indoor plant pot. Have a little browse online with the help of mr google, who will no doubt shed some enlightening suggestions for re-purposing your pieces.

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Swapping And Swiping

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Rather than selling your item, swap it. There are plenty of online platforms that make this easy in your local area such as facebook market place. Alternatively you could invite your friends to a swap party, whereby everyone brings their unwanted goods and exchanges with each-other over food and nibbles.

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Have a little fun on your social channels and host a giveaway or competition, perhaps you or a friend have a little side hustle you’d like to promote, or simply want to have fun and connect with others! Hosting giveaways are simple and easy tutorials can be found online for your preferred platform.

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Or spread them around the office: what better way to be rid on unwanted presents than to dump them on your colleagues at work – if you think they might enjoy them…. Perhaps it could be part of an office quiz or team exercise.

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Whatever you decide to do, any of the above is easier and kinder than the easy option of tossing items away. But if you do decide to chuck it, ensure that it’s recyclable and take it to the local recycling bank. Santa Claus will thank you, and grant you protection from a lump of coal next year.

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